From the Editor: Patience Takes Practice

I confess that while I do take pride in making lots of food from scratch for my family, I don't mind using a mix to bake a cake or relying on a seasoning packet to assist with a marinade. And instead of carefully whipping cream, I'm open to squirting some from an aerosol can to top a sundae any time. I guess I'm not good with delayed gratification.

We also have a feature on some popular diets that you or someone you know has surely tried. Is there science behind these often restrictive eating plans? You might be surprised what our reporter Mitch Ryals found out when he talked to local experts.

And with a bountiful harvest season upon us, I hope you will enjoy our Food feature on farm fresh food. In it, you can learn how to easily create a vegan salad that works great as a delicious and healthy lunch bowl. The hardest part may be saving it until lunchtime.